How to Register for US CMA: Simplified Step-by-Step Guide!

Did you know that US CMA holders earn up to 67% more than non-certified professionals in similar roles? Imagine yourself climbing the corporate ladder faster, working at global companies like Amazon, PwC, and Deloitte, and making strategic decisions that drive businesses forward—all with just two exams and a globally recognized certification.

The US CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is your ticket to these opportunities, with a streamlined registration process that makes it easier to start your journey toward becoming a financial leader. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to register for CMA USA without breaking a sweat.

Let’s dive in and get started on this life-changing journey.

Why you should register for the US CMA course

• You become an elite member of a community that has over 100,000 professionals across 150 countries.
• You only have to take two exams, as opposed to other accounting courses that have many more.
• You get a salary boost of 20 per cent more than your non-CMA peers (according to the 2023 CMA global salary survey).
• It is a cost-efficient program, you pay around Rs 2 lakhs, which includes training costs. Other professional courses charge Rs 3 lakhs to Rs 4 lakhs.
• The certified management accountant registration is open to freshers and working professionals.
• Professionals who are already in the industry will really benefit as the US CMA is an advanced course and will add great value to their resumes.
• You get a strong foundation in business decision-making, strategic financial planning, management accounting, and ethical standards.

Now that you’re convinced, let’s dive into the steps to register.

Step-by-step guide for the CMA USA Registration

Step 1: Meet the eligibility criteria

The first step to a US CMA registration is to fulfill the educational requirements.

The course admits graduates and undergraduates (10+2). While undergraduates can take the exam, they have to submit a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in order to receive the CMA certificate. So ensure you get your degree within 7 years of taking the exams.

If you are unsure if your college qualifies, you can look up the list of accredited universities on this link. If your college is not listed, you can email the IMA for advice on what to do next.

Step 2: Become an IMA member

This is an important step to ensure your US CMA registration validity. Before you can apply for the course, you must become a member of the Institute of Management Accountants.

Step 3: Pay the registration and exam fees

After becoming an IMA member, you can move on to the next step of the US CMA registration and enroll for the course. You will receive study material options and relevant information about the CMA program. The CMA syllabus is divided into Part 1 and Part 2. You will take one exam for each part. You can choose to sit for either part first; it’s up to you.

Also Read – US CMA Course Fees – Exam, Coaching, Study Material, Total Cost etc.

Step 4: Pick an exam date

In this part of the CMA USA registration, you choose the exam dates and location online.

The exam windows are:

• 1st January to 28th February
• 1st May to 30th June
• 1st September to 31st October

The exact date and time of the exam can be selected according to availability in the Prometric centres in these cities:

• Mumbai
• New Delhi
• Ahmedabad
• Bengaluru
• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Thiruvananthapuram

CMA experts advise candidates to hold off paying the exam fees till they are halfway through their course study. The student CMA USA registration validity ends three years from the date you pay the full amount for both exams. For professionals, it ends in one year. You only get student status if you are currently enrolled in a full-time university.

Step 5: Implement your study plan

At this stage of the US CMA registration, you have paid the fees but have not taken the exams yet. This is the part when you buckle down and start studying. You can choose to do it on your own if you have the time, confidence, and discipline. Or you can enroll with a reputed coaching institute known for teaching the latest, IMA-approved syllabus, such as Proschool.

Step 6: Read up on all exam-related instructions.

It is essential to know the US CMA exam patterns before you sit for the papers. Here are some important points you should know after the US CMA registration.

• Both exams will have a similar structure — 100 multiple-choice questions, followed by two essay-style questions.
• You will have three hours to finish the MCQ section of the paper.
• If you score 50 per cent or more on the MCQ section, you can move to the essays.
• The essays will revolve around two business scenarios, and you will have one hour to complete them.
• You need to score 360 out of 500 marks to pass both exams.

Also Read – The updated US CMA Syllabus: All Subjects Explained!

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration

The CMA USA registration process is simple, but a few common missteps can make it unnecessarily stressful. Avoid these mistakes to ensure a smooth start:

1. Forgetting to Verify Educational Qualifications

• Ensure your degree is from a recognized university.
• If you’re still in college, check if your institution qualifies for the student membership category.
• Pro Tip: Visit the IMA website or email their team if you’re unsure about your university’s accreditation.

1. Not Choosing the Correct Membership Type

• Picking the wrong membership type can cost you extra. Here’s how to choose:
  • If you’re a student with 6+ credit hours, go for the Student Membership ($49/year).
  • Working professionals or non-students should opt for Professional Membership ($295/year).
• Avoid paying for a higher membership when the student option offers the same benefits at a lower cost!

1. Paying Exam Fees Too Early

• Don’t rush to pay your exam fees before you’re ready.
• Exam validity lasts three years for students and one year for professionals—so plan your preparation timeline first.
• Tip: CMA experts recommend paying exam fees only when you’re halfway through your syllabus.

How Long Does It Take to Complete US CMA?

Wondering how long it takes to complete the CMA USA certification? The answer: as little as 6 months or as much as 3 years, depending on your study pace and schedule. Here’s a typical timeline:

Step 1: Register for CMA USA

• Complete your membership registration and pay the required fees.
• Time: 1-2 weeks (including verification).

Step 2: Prepare for the Exams

• CMA USA has two parts:
  • Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics.
  • Part 2: Strategic Financial Management.
• Suggested Study Time:
  • Self-paced learners: 3-6 months per part.
  • With coaching (e.g., Proschool): 2-3 months per part.

Step 3: Schedule Your Exams

• Exams are held during these three windows each year:
  • Jan-Feb, May-June, Sep-Oct.
• Choose a date and book your exam slot at a Prometric center.

Step 4: Take the Exams

• You can attempt the two parts in any order, but most students recommend starting with Part 1 for foundational knowledge.
• Time: 1-2 months per exam window (including preparation for retakes if needed).

Step 5: Gain Relevant Work Experience

• You need 2 years of relevant experience to get certified.
• Good news: You can complete this before or after passing your exams.

Tips to Speed Up the Process

• Enroll with a coaching institute like Proschool to access structured study plans and expert guidance.
• Create a daily study schedule with mock exams and weekly revisions.
• Focus on completing one part at a time to avoid burnout.

Why study the US CMA prep with Proschool?

There is an old saying, nothing succeeds like success. This mantra drives IMS Proschool, one of India’s top coaching institutions. At Proschool, students receive a comprehensive learning experience that leads to the successful completion of international professional courses. The professors are industry professionals who use active learning methods and advanced training techniques to help students master the syllabus and ace the exams.

Conclusion

The certified management accountant registration is the first step in your journey to becoming a management accountant. Once you become an IMA member and enroll in the course, you’re only 6 to 12 months away from achieving your professional dream. Institutes like Proschool can guide you through the process, helping you master the course material and ensuring you pass your exams on the first attempt.

By investing your time, effort, and resources in the CMA program, you set yourself on a path to excel in the global financial and management accounting landscape.

Ready to become a CMA professional? Begin your journey today with a step-by-step registration process and expert guidance from Proschool.

FAQs

Can I finish the CMA program in 6 months?

Students can pass the exams six months after the US CMA registration if they are dedicated and follow a structured study plan. However, you still need to fulfill a two-year work experience requirement before receiving your CMA certificate.

What is the difference between student and professional memberships?

Student membership is less expensive, but there are no differences in features, benefits, or CMA registration validity.

Is the US CMA exam tougher than CA?

The CA exams are more challenging and complex. In CA, if you fail one paper in a group, you fail the entire group and have to retake all exams in that group. The US CMA is more straightforward, requiring you to score 360 out of 500 in both exams to pass.

What happens if I fail one of the US CMA exams?

If you fail a paper, you can retake it within 30 days. You are allowed three attempts per year. If you don’t pass within these attempts, you must wait a year before trying again.

Do I need to become an IMA member before taking the CMA exams?

Yes, becoming an IMA member is the first step in the CMA USA registration process. You cannot proceed without completing this step.

How much is the total CMA USA registration fee?

Does the US CMA registration validity have an expiration date?

Yes, you must take both exams within three years of paying the course fees. If not, you’ll have to pay the full amount again to re-register.

What is the age limit for CMA USA?

There is no age limit for CMA USA registration. As long as you meet the educational criteria, you can apply for the course.

How many attempts are allowed for the US CMA exam?

You can retake a failed exam up to three times per year. If you exhaust these attempts, you must wait for a year before trying again. The US CMA registration validity is three years, so ensure you plan your attempts accordingly.

Is articleship compulsory for US CMA?

No, articleship is not mandatory, but you must complete two years of relevant work experience to receive the CMA certification. This can be done before or after passing the exams.